§ Q18. Mr. Eggarasked the Prime Minister whether she is satisfied with the level of exploration for and development of oil and gas fields in the British North Sea.
§ The Prime MinisterI am satisfied with the level of exploration for and the development of oil fields in the United Kingdom sector of the North Sea. The level of gas exploration and development is less satisfactory, but freeing the market for gas, as proposed in the Oil and Gas (Enterprise) Bill, will help to bring about an improvement.